Once upon a time...
I found myself graduating from college thinking I knew exactly what I wanted to do. Only a few years later, and 2 jobs later, I learned one thing...I was not meant for the 9-5. I spent a lot of time with family (mostly my mother), finding other alternatives, and I never quite got it right. Little did I know that the House of PlumRed was right at the horizon of fate.
Finding myself at my second job after college as an Operations Manager at a telecommunications company in San Clemente, I had a live with a cute little white fluff dog and a dedicated boyfriend. In the midst of my routine, my best friend had left her job and had some "life changes." I always thought she would do great running a boutique. She had the resources and the capital. I brought up the idea to her and eventually it faded in the background.
One day, I decided to pick it up again and start on the Business Plan. A few excel sheets later and a quick pep talk with my mom, and I was ready to go for it after all. Just for the sake of the business plan, I began a company called House of PlumRed Inc. As you can tell...it kind of stuck ;).
I sat down and thought of every little thing I may need to start this. Fashion shoots, events, and clothing were the first things on my mind. I found a graphic designer and a photographer and the rest flowed from there.
2 weeks later I had my first fashion shoot in my parents' old house in San Clemente. We made the most of what we had, but I had all the essentials. The talents of my models (aka my cute friends), the graphic designer, photographer, stylist, make up artist, and hair stylist.
The next thing you new we were rocking it. :)
Check out www.facebook.com/houseofplumred for our fan page and pictures of our photoshoot.
November 1 was the date for our next fashion shoot. Another week of hustle and bustle.
More models. More Pictures. More Dress-Up. I look back now (2 weeks later) and almost can't believe how smoothly everything went.
Behind the scenes, I was dealing with inventory issues as well as, unfortunately, business relationship issues. I went in this business with family, which can be a heart wrenching experience. You have to love family, but maybe sometimes its better to keep your business and family separate. In the end, we worked something out and were all able to see how to really support each other.
The House of PlumRed began as a way to get out of my 9-5, but it really has unleashed a passion in me to really build what I have started. Stylish Clothes for Reasonable Prices is what the objective is for the website. In this economy, I know many people may have thought I was a little crazy for doing this in such a bad climate, but ya know what? It is a risk I needed to take.
Next event...the LAUNCH PARTY
